more from François Recanati

Single Idea 16377

[catalogued under 18. Thought / B. Mechanics of Thought / 5. Mental Files]

Full Idea

On my view, actual acquaintance is not necessary to open a mental file; expected acquaintance will suffice; yet opening a mental file itself is not sufficient to entertain a singular thought-content. It only enables a thought-vehicle.

Gist of Idea

Expected acquaintance can create a thought-vehicle file, but without singular content

Source

François Recanati (Mental Files [2012], 13.1)

Book Reference

Recanati,François: 'Mental Files' [OUP 2012], p.164


A Reaction

I'm not clear why I can't create a file with no expectation at all of acquaintance, as in a fictional case. Depends what 'acquaintance' means. Recanati longs for precise distinctions where they may not be available.